Two (2) members of New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 68th Infantry Battalion (IB) recently in Sitio Pasigue, Brgy. Malisbong, Sablayan.
According to Captain Ersel Filipinas of 68th Infantry Battalion, their troops encountered at least five (5) members of NPA during the operation. The slain NPA members were identified under the pseudonyms “Hunter”, and “Liza” or “Mamay”, while the other NPA members who were able to flee were suspected to be wounded during the clash.
The communist group’s location was reported to the AFP by concerned citizens residing in the area. Filipinas highlighted the impact of the people’s coordination with the AFP as it prevented a possible tactical offense.
“Yang pagbaba [ng mga NPA sa patag], posible silang nagpaplano ng malaking taktikal na opensiba laban sa gobyerno. Dahil sa pakikipag-tulungan ng mga sibilyan, napigilan natin ‘yan (Their descent to the plains may indicate a possible plan of massive tactical offense against the government. Because of the coordination of civilians with the AFP, we were able to prevent it),” the Filipinas shared.
Weapons were retrieved from the encounter, including three (3) M16 rifles, improvised landmines, and grenades.
Filipinas encourages the public to immediately contact the AFP camp near them if there are suspicious activities in their area to prevent possible offense. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA-Occidental Mindoro)
